Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Sport Management (Sport)

MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Contact Us

This one year MSc programme is targeted at graduates aiming to develop a career in the Sport industry and also experienced professionals who wish to enhance their career opportunities within this field. The programme provides graduates with the theoretical knowledge and practical tools and techniques required to solve real life management challenges within the Sport industry.

The programme is informed by the exciting research carried out by our faculty and by Sport industry experts who contribute to both the design and delivery of the programme curriculum. Throughout the programme, students are provided with the opportunity to engage and network with leading figures from the Sport industry.

The programme also offers the unique opportunity  to study how high performance sport is managed from government policy to the views of key stakeholders within a sport organisation, such as the CEO, the high performance director, the coach, support staff and athlete.

SportBusiness Review ranked the UCD MSc in Sport Management 14th worldwide and 4th in Europe in its latest Postgraduate Rankings, up from respective rankings of 20th and 6th in the previous edition.

The application process for this programme closes on Friday 30th May 2025. We will endeavour to respond to all complete applications by Friday 6th June 2025. (Late Applications may be considered up to June 30th 2025, although we strongly advise applying as soon as possible).

A part-time format (over two years) is available in order to help professionals pursue studies without having to interrupt their career.

About This Course

On completion of this Programme, students should be able to: 

  1. Critically apply knowledge and understanding of management theory and techniques to a range of complex organisational contexts / issues within the wider sports industry. (Knowledge)
  2. Identify and critically analyse current trends or policy changes and their implications for sport related organisations.  (Knowledge)
  3. Understand the processes which influence group behaviour and be able to  apply leadership skills and function effectively as part of a team utilising skills in listening, negotiating and resolving conflict ;  (Knowledge and Skills)
  4. Communicate effectively through a range of mediums (e.g., oral, written) (Skills and attribute)
  5. Self-direct and act autonomously in planning and implementing projects. (Skills and attribute)
  6. Plan, conduct and report a programme of original research relevant to the management of sport organisations and/or events. (Skills and attribute)
  7. Recognise career opportunities in the sports industry and utilise transferable  management skills to develop a career path within the industry. (Skills and attribute)

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 SMGT40380 Sport Leadership & People Mgmt Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 SMGT40400 Strategy & Operations Management in Sport & Exercise Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 SMGT40440 Sport Event M & Sustainability Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 SMGT40370 Sport Governance & Law Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 SMGT40420 Mgmt of High Performance Sport Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 SMGT40450 Sport Marketing & Comms Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 SMGT40080 Dissertation Summer  30

UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.

Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:

SDG3 SDG4 SDG5 SDG10 SDG 12 SDG 16

Gerard Kelly, Football Association of Ireland

I currently work across two areas, International Team Operations and Corporate Relationship and Sales with the Football Association of Ireland. I am also Head of Performance Management with Drogheda United Football Club in the League of Ireland. The MSc programme covers many of the elements involved in the business of sport and provides a well-rounded educational environment to develop your skill set for working in this industry. Interacting with the guest lecturers who held senior roles in the industry ensured I was able to get great insight into the “real life” workings of sports organisations and the roles within those organisations. The experience of completing the MSc programme in a focused and intense environment really prepares you for life in high level sports organisations where everything can change from day to day and deadlines are very tight.

Erin Brown, World Rugby

I currently work as a coordinator for strategy and organisational performance at World Rugby. My work involves strategic and operational planning, supporting internal projects, and providing analysis and recommendations to management on how our organisation can continue to achieve its strategic goals. I considered a number of sport management programmes but UCD was best positioned to provide me with the skillset I was seeking to break into a career in sport. My favourite part of the programme was hearing from a variety of guest lecturers from across the sport landscape. It really gave me an appreciation for the breadth of the modern sports industry and encouraged me to continue to build my knowledge in areas that I would previously would not have considered related to the business of sport. For me, one of the key aspects was that I got a true sense of the skills in demand from the modern sports professional and was provided with knowledge that I could apply both inside and outside of the industry. I was also really pleased to discover after enrolling in the programme that the faculty were deeply interested in their students’ success post-UCD. The faculty were always open and available for a discussion over a coffee to delve into topics deeper, answer career guidance questions, or provide connections to someone in their network who had experience navigating the same career path. That really made a huge difference to my career prospects post-graduation.

Alison Nolan, Counties Manukau Sport in South Auckland, New Zealand

I am currently working as a Primary Sport Advisor with Counties Manukau Sport in South Auckland. I have always had an interest in working in sport and I chose the MSc based on the variety of content, high calibre of lecturer and guest speakers and because it seemed to sit well with what I wanted to gain from a return to education. Although it was difficult at the beginning, having to present during each module as part of a group really added to the learning process. Getting the perspective of class mates and peers for content and presentation techniques was really beneficial within the programme and in turn for outside delivery of information to sports groups. Interacting with and learning from individuals with first-hand experience of working within sport and within sporting bodies gave me an detailed understanding of the professional sporting environment and of the differences and similarities between sport and business. Having the MSc qualification has definitely helped to open more doors for me in the pursuit of a career in sport

MSc Sport Management (Sport) (X762) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 10460
nonEU    fee per year - € 22000

MSc Sport Management (Sport) (X763) Part Time
nonEU    fee per year - € 14550
EU          fee per year - € 5060

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

This programme is intended for students with a primary degree in Sport, Recreation or Leisure Management, Sport, Exercise or Health Science or Business Studies. Students with a primary degree in other disciplines may also be considered. An upper second class honours, or international equivalent is typically required. Applicants must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for sport and sport related business. Experience working in sport is desirable. An interview with the Programme Director will also form part of the application process. 

  • Official transcripts of undergraduate degrees
  • 2 official reference letters (including letterhead, date & address)
  • A CV
  • A personal statement (outlining your suitability for the programme, your motivations for pursuing a career in Sport Management, etc.)

Substantial relevant work experience or experiential learning may be considered as an alternative entry route.

Due to the volume of applications received, early application to the programme is encouraged.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent. Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes.

Please see the following link for further information: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/int%20pmp/

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


This one year full time (two year part time) MSc programme is the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland and is offered by the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sports Science. It provides graduates who are motivated and passionate about Sport the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required to develop a successful management career in the Sport industry. It also provides current professionals with the opportunity to further enhance their management skills. 
Print this page

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Sport Management (Sport):

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
X762
Sport Management (Sport)
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
X763
Sport Management (Sport)
Master of Science

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
Contact UsOpen Days & Events
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.